The Moviegoer is a unique diary that showcases the best of Chicago’s independent and underground film scene. It goes beyond just movies and delves into the world of moving images, including innovative installations that offer limitless possibilities for expression.
Recently, I had the opportunity to experience an installation by British filmmaker Steve McQueen at Dia Chelsea in New York City. Titled Sunshine State (2022), this two-channel, dual-sided video projection immerses viewers in a powerful narrative about McQueen’s father, Philbert, and his experiences as an immigrant in 1950s Florida. The installation juxtaposes images of the fiery sun with footage from the 1927 film The Jazz Singer, creating a thought-provoking commentary on race, identity, and history.
One of the striking aspects of Sunshine State is McQueen’s use of his own voice in the narration, adding a personal dimension to the storytelling. The installation challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about blackface, erasure, and the complexities of immigrant experiences in America.
In addition to Sunshine State, I also visited the Museum of Sex to explore an exhibition of Andy Warhol’s early film work. The exhibition, titled “Looking at Andy Looking,” features iconic films like Blow Job (1964) and Sleep (1963). Warhol’s films push boundaries and challenge viewers to consider what lies beyond the frame, inviting us to question our assumptions about art, sexuality, and perception.
Blow Job, in particular, stands out for its provocative title and ambiguous imagery. Through a subtle and enigmatic portrayal of a sexual act, Warhol invites viewers to engage with what is seen and unseen, blurring the lines between reality and artifice. Similarly, Sleep offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the mundane, as Warhol captures his partner sleeping for hours on end, prompting reflection on the nature of observation and repetition in film.
As a film buff and enthusiast of experimental cinema, these experiences have deepened my appreciation for the power of visual storytelling and the ways in which artists can challenge, provoke, and inspire through their work. The Moviegoer continues to explore the rich tapestry of independent cinema, offering a platform for artists like McQueen and Warhol to push boundaries and redefine the art of filmmaking.
Until next time, moviegoers.
